compliance

NSU is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct in our community, advocating for students who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, and respecting the rights of both complainants and respondents.

Northwestern State prohibits discrimination and sexual misconduct on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and coercion. NSU also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This policy includes protection for women, men, and all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

What is Consent?

Consent is a CLEAR, out loud, unambiguous “YES”!
Know that…

Consent cannot be given by a person impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs

Options for Reporting and Assistance

NSU strongly advocates reporting sex discrimination, sexual assault, or sexual harassment. If a student discloses an incident they will learn options for assistance, such as health and wellbeing counseling, residence and class accommodations, and options for filing complaints or criminal charges. Disclosure to University personnel will not obligate the complainant to file a grievance or criminal charge, nor will it subject the complainant to scrutiny or judgmental opinions.

Reporting Options for Students:

Confidential Disclosure to an NSU Confidential Advisor, click the hyperlink for contact information for Confidential Advisors

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after an incident is reported and what are the University sanctions for sexual misconduct?

Once an incident is reported, the alleged victim is not obligated to file a grievance with the University or a criminal charge with law enforcement. A confidential advisor, Title IX Coordinator, or student advocate will explain all options to the alleged victim with the goal of ending the sexual violence and harassment, preventing its recurrence, and addressing the effects. Please see University Obligations below for more information regarding accommodations.

NSU has policy and procedure set in place to fairly and quickly address sexual misconduct. Persons found responsible for sexual misconduct may receive sanctions ranging from expulsion to an educational alternative determined on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the incident may be investigated and adjudicated by the University and local law enforcement simultaneously. For details regarding informal and formal resolutions, investigations, disciplinary actions, and appeals, please see the 2017-18 NSU Sex Discrimination & Sexual Misconduct and Code of Conduct.

How am I protected if I report or act as a witness?

Title IX policy and NSU’s Student Code of Conduct prohibit retaliation. Acts or attempted acts for the purpose of interfering with any report, investigation, or proceeding, or as retribution or revenge against anyone who has reported sexual misconduct, relationship violence, sex discrimination, or who has participated (or is expected to participate) in any manner in an investigation or proceeding under the NSU policy is strictly prohibited. Prohibited retaliatory acts include, but are not limited to, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination. For purposes of this NSU policy, an attempt requires a substantial step towards committing a violation.

Will others know that I’ve reached out for help?

All reporting of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct is treated as confidential to the greatest extent possible; the privacy of all individuals involved is important to the Northwestern State. In most situations, only individuals involved in the resolution of the situation will have access to the information about the case. If there is a risk of the alleged perpetrator committing additional crimes, if a student is in immediate danger, or if there has been expressed intent to harm others, or other risks such as involvement of a weapon or the age of the students involved, the University may determine that it is necessary to compromise the level of privacy provided.

Will my friends and I get in trouble if we report and we’ve been partying?

Northwestern State provides amnesty–forgiveness of nonviolent student conduct violations, such as underage drinking–for any student reporting sexual misconduct in good faith.

What factors contribute to the likelihood of sexual assault?

Research has shown that alcohol use and sexual violence are associated. Make every effort to watch out for friends and plan interventions to take action if need be–be proactive and do not be a bystander to sexual misconduct. For more information about how you or your student organization can get involved in eliminating sexual misconduct in our community, contact student advocate Alexis Smith at (318) 357-5570, smithal@nsula.edu or visit 308 Friedman Student Union during office hours.

The Title IX Coordinator ensures schools are compliant with Title IX, oversees educational efforts for students, faculty, and staff, coordinates the investigation and disciplinary process, and looks for patterns or systemic problems with compliance to ensure schools fulfill all their federal obligations.

University Obligations

take immediate action to investigate alleged incident

take prompt necessary steps to end sexual violence and harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address the effects, whether or not the incident is subject of criminal investigation

protect complainant, including taking interim steps prior to the final outcome of the investigation, including but not limited to moving residence halls, moving classes, changing transportation options, issuing “no contact” orders, or any other reasonable accommodation.

provide a grievance procedure based on preponderance of evidence standard to resolve complaints of sex discrimination, including complaints of sexual violence and harassment

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